DurianGuide
Varieties  /  Yala
Regional name

Yala

ทุเรียนสะเด็ดน้ำยะลา
Yala · "'Satdednam' means water-shedding, for the dry, non-watery flesh that Yala's highlands are said to produce."
Also written: Satdednam Yala · Sadet Nam Yala · Satdednam · Yala durian · สะเด็ดน้ำ · ทุเรียนยะลา

Satdednam Yala is a GI name covering several varieties (Monthong, Kanyao, Chanee, Puangmanee, and some Musang King) grown on Yala's highland hillsides in the deep south. The name สะเด็ดน้ำ, water-shedding, is the point: the highland conditions are credited with dry, dense, non-watery flesh whichever variety is in the bag. It is sweet and creamy with very low fiber, and exports to China and Malaysia. Registered as a GI in 2022.

Regional name

Yala is a protected-origin (GI) name, not a single variety. It covers Monthong หมอนทอง, Kanyao ก้านยาว, Chanee ชะนี and Puangmanee พวงมณี grown in Yala (Southern Thailand). The profile below is a rough composite across them.

Beginner-friendlyModerate aromaUncommon
Identify it
The tellA protected-origin (GI) name for durian grown high in Yala. The shared trait across varieties is dry, dense flesh that holds its shape rather than weeping. The fruit looks like whichever variety it is, so the GI label is the real signal.
Shape
Varies by variety
Size
Varies by variety
Thorns
Varies by variety · thin shell
Flesh, cut
Dry, dense, fine-grained · low fiber · pale to deep yellow
Taste & texture
Sweetness4
Aroma / funk3
Creaminess4
Bitterness1
Fiber1

Typical profile: aggregated and subjective, not a spec. Your own ratings refine it.

When it's good, by region
Yala season shifts with where it's grown
July through September in the Yala highlands, peaking July and August. A late southern season.
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Yala (highland, 100 m and up)
PeakIn seasonEstimated
Regional windows are approximate and shift year to year with weather.
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Overview

Satdednam Yala is a GI name covering several varieties (Monthong, Kanyao, Chanee, Puangmanee, and some Musang King) grown on Yala's highland hillsides in the deep south. The name สะเด็ดน้ำ, water-shedding, is the point: the highland conditions are credited with dry, dense, non-watery flesh whichever variety is in the bag. It is sweet and creamy with very low fiber, and exports to China and Malaysia. Registered as a GI in 2022.

July through September in the Yala highlands, peaking July and August. A late southern season. Grown in Yala (Southern Thailand). Uncommon to find.

A GI covering several varieties, so traits and aroma vary by which one you buy (milder Monthong and Kanyao versus stronger Chanee). The taste numbers are a rough composite. Look for the GI label.

Common questions
What does Yala durian taste like?

Yala is sweet and creamy and custard-soft, with a moderate aroma. Satdednam Yala is a GI name covering several varieties (Monthong, Kanyao, Chanee, Puangmanee, and some Musang King) grown on Yala's highland hillsides in the deep south. The name สะเด็ดน้ำ, water-shedding, is the point: the highland conditions are credited with dry, dense, non-watery flesh whichever variety is in the bag. It is sweet and creamy with very low fiber, and exports to China and Malaysia. Registered as a GI in 2022.

Is Yala good for beginners?

Yes, Yala is one of the milder, more approachable Thai durians, which makes it a common first pick.

When is Yala durian in season?

July through September in the Yala highlands, peaking July and August. A late southern season. It's grown in Yala (Southern Thailand). Regional windows are approximate and shift year to year with the weather.

How do you identify Yala at the market?

A protected-origin (GI) name for durian grown high in Yala. The shared trait across varieties is dry, dense flesh that holds its shape rather than weeping. The fruit looks like whichever variety it is, so the GI label is the real signal.

Confidence: medium. Taste numbers are aggregated and subjective. Your own ratings refine them. Regional season windows are partly estimated; see the note above. A GI covering several varieties, so traits and aroma vary by which one you buy (milder Monthong and Kanyao versus stronger Chanee). The taste numbers are a rough composite. Look for the GI label.